Globalization and Changes in Qatar - Case Study Example

Abstract Globalization, which has made it possible for businesses from any part of the world to connect with consumers elsewhere, has opened up the opportunity for unprecedented benefits for those who know how to take advantage of it. The interconnectivity that has arisen from the use of the Internet, telephone and mobile phone service, as well as the quick flow of money across borders all have benefits. There is a flip side, however, which is that a problem that begins in one part of the world can quickly spread to other parts of the world. For those of us living in Qatar, globalization has provided an opportunity to tap into to some of the best the world has to offer in terms of equipment and expertise. Also, the relatively open access to money from other parts of the world, has meant that small countries can continue to share in possible benefits from other countries despite being separated by distance or culture. One of the greatest benefits to Qatar and other parts of the Gulf is the chance for us to plug into worlds of knowledge that were not open to us before. It is important for us to take full advantage of this opportunity. Even as we continue to make use of labour from other parts of the world we need to recognize that in the future we might have to depend on our own ingenuity and expertise. This should be a welcome opportunity for the sons and daughters of the Gulf to put their own unique stamp on their territory and even extend themselves toward contribution to the larger world outside. Qatar's efforts at mediation in world affairs is a good start but this should be an ongoing effort so that the Gulf area can create a new image that is connected to peace and prosperity. Introduction Globalization is the key fact in the lives of many young people today in the same way that an earlier generation could not talk about their lives without thinking of the cold war. It has increased links among countries and opened up the way for people all over the world to know about one another a little better. Even if people do not have the opportunity to travel around the world, they can use technologies such as the Internet and television to learn about what is going on in the planet. In other words, globalization has provided a safe way for practically anyone with a connection to the Internet to become an explorer. It has also opened up the way for knowledge to spread, which is a positive thing for the world as a whole. Although Qatar where I come from, is small compared to most other countries, piece of land, thanks to the links that globalization fosters, Qatar has been able to make an impact on the world and to raise the profile of all those who call themselves Qataris. Globalization Although globalization seems like a new phenomenon, in reality, it has been going on for a long time, centuries even. In economics terms globalization has been used to "refer to the integration of production on a global scale, as the globalization of production is related to the globalization of products" (Ghosh 2004, 88). Of the two processes involved, the first involves the expansion of capitalization into a global economy that is virtually integrated. Globalization has allowed for the lowering of production costs because multinational companies are able to take advantage of lower cost labour, weak labour unions, and weak state regulation in order to produce goods at lower prices, thus maximizing their profits. The benefits are not only for multinational companies, however. Countries that have surplus labour and no jobs are able to take advantage of the capital, expertise, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the foreign companies, thus creating jobs where few existed before. The other part of globalization is the speak of the notion that consumerism is good. This has resulted in a global culture where people, from Argentina to Zimbabwe seem obsessed with consumption and with access to products designed at quality that they may not have been able to obtain in the past. In this sense, "Technological development in communications and information systems has facilitated the transmission of a homogeneous consumer culture" (Ghosh 2004, 88). It took some time but once it dawned on the leading thinkers of the world that the world was essentially one economy, the whole world was set on achieving breakthroughs that no one could have imagined a few years back. It is true that "Some, in Japan, South Korea or Brazil, for example, have tried to game the system by promoting exports and restricting access to their own markets. But the leaders who count, in the U.S. and Europe, have promoted three major global trade liberalization negotiations, the Kennedy, Tokyo and Uruguay rounds. The resulting expansion of world trade has brought about a corresponding enlargement of the world economy, lifting millions out of poverty and into the middle class" (Melloan 2001, A19). Still, the complaints of those who believe that globalization has not brought them any benefits should not be ignored. The complaints have not only come from young people from the West with too much time on their hands but also from farmers in South Korea and manufacturers in Africa, all of whom should be heard so that globalization can mean not just profit but also fairness and cooperation. For someone living in Qatar, which is in a region where traditional values are considered important, I can understand to some extent the backlash that has arisen against globalization. I can understand the point of view of the parent who worries about how globalization, through the spread of television programs that seem devoid of any morals, may be corrupting their children. At the same time, I understand the benefits that flow from easier access to technology, knowledge, and information from other parts of the world. What globalization means to me Education In talking to people of my parents' age and those of my grandparents, it is clear that the changes that have come about in Qatar are nothing short of revolutionary. As the Economist magazine writes in the article, "Small country, big ideas," "In 1952, the year that Sheikh bin Khalifa al Thani was born, Qatar had fewer than 40,000 people, most of them barefoot nomads and fishermen, and not a single school. The emirate he rules now hosts Education City, a complex of branch campuses from some of the world's most prestigious colleges" (Small country, big ideas 2008 http://www.economist.com). I count myself fortunate that I was born at a time when I am able to benefit from this incredible learning opportunity. This is because education, in part, has been the foundation for the respect that many countries such s the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States, have enjoyed for so many years. The inventions, technologies, philosophies, that have flowed from these countries have enriched the world and given them much deserved prestige. But as a Qatari I also like to look back on the traditions and culture of my ancestors and to recognize that there was a time when Muslims and Arabs made great contributions to the world as well. It is my hope that the opportunity for education that Qataris enjoy today will translate into our contributing once more to making the world a better place through our ideas. Today, I can sit in the comfort of my home and have access to news from around the world through the Internet and have as much information as my peers in other countries. I do not feel myself at a disadvantage then when it comes to doing the best I can to make my mark on the world. Also, thanks to globalization, and the efforts that the leaders of Qatar have made, people from all over the world come to Qatar. This is something for which Qataris can be proud. People come here to work and to do business as well as to enjoy cultural activities. This creates the impression that Qatar has managed to put itself in the leagues of some of the greatest cities in the world such as New York, `Paris, and London, which are also famous for their art offerings and museums. The effect of globalization on me is positive. I am able to plug into the best educational traditions anywhere in the world while at the same time living in a region with a very rich history. I believe that having multiple perspectives on life can only be enriching. I am able to understand the thinking of traditionalists and those who seek reform as well. In many cases, people from different parts of the world find it difficult to understand each other and are only willing to look at matters from their own single-sided perspective. Globalization has made me keenly aware that there are multiple perspectives in the world and that while we may not always agree with one another, at least, we can agree to disagree. To some extent, I think that the great enthusiasm that many people around the world had for Barack　Obama's candidacy s an American president stemmed from his view that it was all right to disagree with others and that we did not have to become enemies simply because we had different perspectives. Qatar itself has become like a mini-hub and it is a place where the best of culture, education, and other traditions are converging, making it possible for people in my age group to face the world with far more confidence than those who came before us. Local transformation Architecture The most obvious transformation is that of architecture. Whereas in the past it was possible for Qataris to look into the distance and see sand as far as the eye could see, today, sky scrapers dot our skyline. This is an enormous source of pride but it also makes one wonder if the rush toward transformation is all for the better. Access to the English Language Many Qataris have access to good education and can communicate in international languages such as English. Those who lived in my grandfather’s time did not have as many opportunities to learn English. This would have limited their options compared to those of us living today. This is a big advantage for young people growing up in Qatar because for those of us who plan to enter the business world knowing languages other than our own can make it easier for us to communicate. Qataris among the best? There is another sense, however, in which I feel that Qataris have a long way to go. We do have the money to employ the best of the best to build for us. The question that comes to my mind often is when Qataris will be counted among the best of the best. I do recognize that ours is a young, up and coming territory and that there is still much hard work ahead of us. I believe, that, pride in our heritage and a spirit of contribution should drive the younger generation so that they do not end up only as consumers but also as contributors to their birthplace, their region, and the world. Though the flow of oil in the Gulf States has been important to the ambitions of the emirates, without globalization Qatar might not be bold enough to take on the kind of projects they have promoted in recent years. With globalization, there is a tacit understanding that if one has the money and others have the talent, the marriage is a perfect one. With this in mind, it has appeared quite normal for Qatar to go in search of the best architects or curators wherever in the world they might be. Leadership As a business student, the question of leadership is almost always on my mind. I have read about leaders from countries in other parts of the world where oil money or money for aid has been squandered by a few people while the majority of the people suffer. In this sense, I have to say that those of us in Qatar are lucky to have forward thinking leaders who want to ensure that we would have something of value that could benefit the population as a whole, now and in the future. Referring to the string of museums and other cultural centers in the United Arab Emirates, the Economist writes: Having stashed away more than a trillion dollars as a result of high oil prices, the region's ruling families are racing to see who can embellish their realm with the best museums, the coolest art fairs, the flashiest festivals. The sudden recent fall in the oil price from its midsummer record may yet trim ambitions. But the scale and number of projects under way is already transforming the Gulf's string of Arab city-states into increasingly important stops on the international culture circuit" (Smart art mart 2008 www.economist.com). It is also encouraging that our leaders have not focused only on building and art but are also putting some effort into making sure that some of the greatest literature ever produced is available in the Arabic language. Another element that relates to the fine reputation Qatar is building is the promotion of Doha and other sites in the territory for peace. In "Small country, big ideas," we read: Qatar's emir has stamped this Jamaica-sized patch of flat, scorched desert, which sticks out of Saudi Arabia into the Gulf like a sore thumb, firmly on the map of international diplomacy. Last month, he coaxed Lebanon's viciously bickering politicians into ending a crippling 18-month power struggle, flying them to this capital, Doha, to thrash out an agreement. Qatar has also mediated between insurgent clansmen and the government of Yemen, and acted as an increasingly well-trampled bridge between the Middle East's polarized camps: America and its pro-Western Arab allies on the one hand, and the "resistance" block that includes Iran, Syria an the Islamist parties Hamas in Palestine and Hizbullah in Lebanon on the other. (Small country, big ideas 2008 www.economist.com). . With the barrage of bad news that constantly come out of other parts of the Middle East, it is refreshing to know that Qatar has made itself part of the solution rather than a part of the problem. Changes in Qatar Diabetes The success of Qatar has meant that many Qataris have been leading sendentary lives. As people do not have to go out on the seas or do hard labour to make a living, this has given rise to a host of medical conditions, notably diabetes. There have　been　efforts,　however,　to　control　this　problem　through　the　establishment　of　a　health　research　centre. As one article reports, “"SMARD will put Qatar on the international map of medical research and bring European expertise to our country," said Mr. Mohamed Al Hamed Al Marwani, Chairman and shareholder of SMARD. "An investment of several million dollars in the research and development will be aimed at treating chronic diseases, including diabetes and other long term diseases induced by disturbances of the immune system" (Qatar to become centre of diabetes research 2008). Foreign workers In Qatar foreign workers make up as much as 70% of the population (Kapiszewski 2007). The fact that many of these workers are neither Arab nor Muslim means that they pose a challenge to the Qatari population in terms of conformity to the norms of the country. Marriages between Qatari men and foreign women were seen by some as eroding the foundations of the local society, which is why the government banned such marriages. (Kapiszewski 2007) Media Another avenue that has allowed Qatar to put itself on the map is the media. Today, just as people all over the world are familiar with CNN or BBC they may also be familiar with Al Jazeera, "which has established itself as a major international media player. It was formed in 1996 from the remnants of BBC Arabic TV, which had just been closed down. The station broadcasts views not normally discussed over the Arab airwaves and its reporting has angered several Arab governments" (Political forces 2009 www.economist.com). I believe that without globalization, Qatar might not have been able to do many of the things they have done. It is true that people with money have been able to do what they want but there is much greater acceptance of the flow of talent across borders than might have been the case in the past. In particular, in the field of education, ideas such as the establishment of an education village in Qatar are part of the new spirit of cooperation and mutual assistance. People in the Gulf do not consider the establishment of universities as acts of charity. Often, Gulf states have to give generous incentives to attract foreign universities but Qatar an other Gulf States do so because they have had leaders with knowledge of the benefits that can accrue from developing homegrown talent. It is true that there are frequent complaints, and this includes comments among people in the Gulf, that we should bear much more of the load of building and thinking and creating. In one sense, this is very true. Rather than depending on others to do all the hard lifting, we need to get in the trenches and get our hands dirty. From another perspective, however, we are able to spot talent and to pay the right amount to get the talent moving in the direction that we seek. Good leadership would require that we prepare ourselves for the future and to remain aware of potential future trends. Maybe, we cannot depend on others forever, in which case, we need to be prepared with a local task force to do everything from planning to execution. For a little while at least, it seems that the strategy taken by the leaders is all right, that is, purchasing the best talent wherever it may be available until Qatar is able to produce talents of world class earlier. Opportunities and threats The current crisis that the world is undergoing shows how much we all invested in globalization and the mistakes that we might have made in simply trusting that all would be well. There is nothing wrong with benefits of globalization such as the easy flow of money and information. What we might have neglected to consider is that not all people in the world act from pure motives. In the Unites States, the increasing lack of regulation over the financial industry meant that people in the finance industry felt bolder and bolder to take on gambles that seemed designed to benefit their creators regardless of whether the market went up or down. Many of the chief executives of companies such as Lehman Brothers pocketed huge sums of money and bonuses even as their companies went down into oblivion. And recently, AIG in the United States, which is interlinked with so many companies around the world, has insisted on bonuses for employees even as the company is clamoring for government subsidies. Globalization has revealed that if we are not careful we would all go down together, that is, if governments allow a few unscrupulous people to drive the globalization agenda. When money was so abundant, Qatar invested heavily in various kinds of business around the world, not for the purpose of seeking world domination, but simply to make sure that the money was making a healthy return. In the aftermath of the crash, there is no question that the emirates have lost substantial amounts of money. It is no accident that the cranes that hummed in Qatar and Dubai have grown largely silent. These difficult times ought to be a time of reflection. As Barack Obama said in his inaugural address, capitalism has proven its capacity to create wealth but the engines of capitalism cannot be allowed to continue turning without any oversight. In the discussions regarding oversight and the creation of a new era of financial responsibility Gulf countries should not remain silent. Even though Qatar is small, it has been able to gain attention through the money that they have spent in the last few years. With Western nations in big need of cash they will certainly be willing to listen to what any country with a potential hoard of money has to say. But Qatar needs to make its voice heard not simply because of the investments it can make but because it is a responsible part of the global economy. The United States and the United Kingdom, as well as other Western nations, do not have a monopoly on wisdom. These countries have done a great deal to prove that capitalism can create wealth but they have made mistakes along the way. If Qatar and other nations that want to see a prosperous world do not speak up, they will be blameworthy if things get worse than they are now. For my part, the best part of globalization is that I have found my voice and though I am in the process of clarifying my thinking on many issues, I am fortunate that I can be exposed to many different ideas from which I can form my own opinions. Some might see globalization as an opportunity for enriching their pockets; for me and others, globalization may mean an opportunity to enrich our minds. Bibliography Ghosh, Ratna. Winter 2004. Globalization in the North American Region: Toward Renegotiation of Cultural Space, McGill Journal of Education, 39.1, 87. How to spend it. 2008. Economist, Apr 24 www.economist.com (Retrieved March 24, 2009). Kapiszewski, Andrzej. 2007. De-Arabization in the Gulf: Foreign Labor and the Struggle for Local Culture. Georgetown Journal of International Affairs, 8. 2, 81. Lewin, Tamar. 2008, In Oil-Rich Mideast, Shades of the Ivy League. New York Times, A1. Melloan, George. 2001, Qatar Offers the Best Chance for Economic Recovery, Jul 31, p. A 19. Qatar-Small country, big ideas. 2008. Economist, Jun 5th www.economist.com (Retrieved Mar 24, 2009) Qatar to become center of medical research in the Middle East. 2008. Al Bawaba, Jan 30, pg. 1 Smart art mart. 2008. Economist, Nov 20th www.economist.com (Retrieved March 24, 2009) Read More